Waste woes: Tourism boom leaves behind a trail of trash in Kullu’s scenic villages
Once pristine and postcard-perfect, many of Kullu’s famed tourist destinations are now grappling with a growing menace—unmanaged garbage. As footfall surges in spots like Manikaran, Kheerganga, Malana, Kasol, Bijli Mahadev, Sajla, Jana, Tirthan, Jibhi and Saryolsar, so too does the volume of waste. The rise in hospitality establishments across remote areas has only added to the burden, overwhelming the region’s limited waste disposal infrastructure.
In rural pockets, where an efficient garbage collection and disposal system remains a distant dream, the problem is especially acute. “There is no designated dumping site anywhere in the Manikaran valley. Garbage is scattered all over, even dumped directly into the Parbati river,” shared Dhiraj, a local resident. He added that trekkers frequently encounter trash along the trails to Kheerganga and in nearby forest areas, posing grave threats to the ecosystem.
DR Suman, president of the Parbati Valley Adventure Tour Operator Association, echoed the urgency of the situation. “We often organise cleanup drives, but the government must take long-term steps. Setting up a waste disposal plant in the valley is no longer optional—it’s critical.”
Kullu resident Rajni pointed to the harmful practices that continue unchecked in villages, such as burning polythene or throwing waste into rivers. “While some local groups are trying to streamline waste management, the pollution persists. Forming self-regulating village committees and encouraging environmental responsibility are crucial steps toward change,” she stressed.
Despite national initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission, many villages lack formal garbage dumping sites. Existing pits are often cleared by the rural development department, and while ragpickers recover some recyclable waste, the rest is either dumped randomly or stored in incomplete segregation sheds. Traditional practices like using kitchen waste as animal feed still exist, but they are no match for the scale of modern tourist waste.
The district administration has recently issued directives for urban and rural bodies to set up dedicated solid and liquid waste management plants. The Tourism Development Council has also been urged to financially assist panchayats in acquiring infrastructure and equipment. Moreover, hotels with over 50 beds are now mandated to maintain in-house waste disposal units, although the policy’s implementation remains patchy on the ground.
Still, amidst the gloom, community-driven efforts shine through. Gaurav, a youth from Banjar, started a one-hour daily cleanup initiative, inspiring others in his village to join. “It began as a small act but quickly became a movement,” he said.
Lalit Kumar, secretary of the Jibhi Valley Tourism Development Association, emphasised that awareness is growing. “Tourists are now more mindful and locals are becoming proactive. Hosts must also take the lead in educating guests. These volunteer-led efforts are key to safeguarding our valleys.”
With local passion and institutional support, Kullu’s stunning landscapes may yet be preserved. But unless systematic and sustained waste management becomes a priority, the region risks losing its ecological charm to its own popularity.
Himachal Tribune